reread and underline any words, phrases, or ideas you don't understand
define 10 of the underlined words by using the glossary in your Macbeth text or look them up
write a very short (one or two words) definition above the underlined word
paraphrase at least 5 lines that your underlined, meaning - write them in your own words
on your Macbeth Reflections wiki page please do the following
IN YOUR OWN WORDS describe what we learn about the following characters from 1.3 (at least a sentence).
Witches (consider as one character)
Macbeth
Banquo
Ross
Angus
Outline the major plot evens in 1.3 - What happens?
Explain the conflicts introduced in 1.3.
Definitions
Aroint - get away
Se'nnights - weeks
Rapt withal - entranced
Blasted - blighted
Corporal - corporeal
As ~ post - as fasts as could be told
Capital - deserving death
Attire - clothes
Hath - an old-fashioned way of saying "have"
Stout - haughty, determined, valiant
Paraphrasing
That look not like the inhabitants o' the earth,
And yet are on't? Live you? or are you aught
That man may question? You seem to understand me,
By each at once her chappy finger laying
Upon her skinny lips: you should be women,
And yet your beards forbid me to interpret
That you are so.
That creatures do not seem to be the inhabitants living on the earth
but actually they are in this world. Have you ever seen those?
By their first appearance, their old, choppy fingers
laying upon their skinny lips prove to me that they indeed are women,
but the beards on their face confuse me.
Character Analysis
Macbeth - Macbeth is the protagonist of the act. He is a Scottish general; he was the thane of Glamis but soon becomes the thane of Cawdor, as the witches prophesied. He becomes curious and happy at the same time when the witches claim that he is going to be the king. He seems to fully believe the prophecy and expects to be the king. Banquo - Banquo is Macbeth's companion, also a Scottish general. According to the witches' prophecy, he will only beget the kings and he will never be the king while his children will inherit the throne. While Macbeth seem to fully believe what the witches have told him, Banquo is doubtful about the prophecy. The Witches - The three witches are women who prophesy the future, especially about the kings in Scotland. According to Macbeth, they do not look like 'inhabitants o' the earth.' They have beards on their face, making them look like men. Angus - Angus is the messenger from king Duncan. He is the one who tells Macbeth he is chosen to be the thane of Cawdor. He also tells Macbeth and Banquo how the former thane is executed due to his treason. Ross - Ross is also the messenger from king Duncan. He praises Macbeth for his victory in the battle, telling him how his courageous actions helped him to emerge victorious in the battle.
Plot Outline
Act 1 scene 3 begins with the conversation of three witches; the first witch mentions that she just has killed swine and another witch explains the revenge she has devised upon a sailor whose wife refused to share her chestnuts. Then the three witches encounter the Scottish thanes Macbeth and Banquo, who had been traveling back to their land Forres. First Macbeth and Banquo are frightened by their haggard appearance but they ask what they are. Without answering the question, the witches prophesy the fate of Macbeth; they claim that he is going to be the thane of Cawdor and eventually the king of Scotland. Then Banquo became curious about this future and asks them about his fate. The witches respond by saying that he will beget the kings though he will be none, which means that Banquo himself will never be the king but his children will sit up on the throne. Macbeth was curious what the witches meant by calling him thane of Cawdor and asks them where all these information came from, but the witches vanish without answering. After they were gone, Macbeth and Banquo discuss their encounter with the witches, both feeling doubtful. Soon, the messengers from the king Ross and Angus appear, telling them that Macbeth is chosen as the thane of Cawdor, as the former thane is to be killed for his disloyalty. Both Macbeth and Banquo are amazed that the witches' prophecy has come true.
Conflict
There is a minor conflict between Banquo and Macbeth at the end of the scene 3. Macbeth claims that the greatest is behind, because the two of the prophecy by the witches actually has come true, and asks if Banquo wants his children to be the kings. Banquo says that what the witches say are half-truths in order to "win us to our harm," still mistrusting and unsure about the prophecy. But Macbeth ignores him and expects great honor. They disagree with each other and I think that is what makes them result in a minor conflict.
Assignment 2
1. Read Macbeth 1.5 and 1.6 and answer the following pages on your "Macbeth Reflection" wiki page
What do we learn about Lady Macbeth in these scenes?
How might Lady Macbeth answer the question “What is the meaning of life?” Explain your answer.
Identify and write out two of Lady Macbeth’s lines that are particularly striking. Explain why you selected the lines.
Identify one significant word that Lady Macbeth uses in 1.5 or 1.6, and define both the denotation and connotation of the word. Explain why you think the word is significant.
What do we learn about Lady Macbeth in these scenes?
Lady Macbeth seems to be even more ambitious than Macbeth is, since she finds out that Macbeth is going to the the king of Scotland, according to the prophecy of the Witches. Lady Macbeth scorns how Macbeth is not as eager as Lady Macbeth to be the king of Scotland. She asks evil spirits to give her manliness so that she is able to kill king Duncan. (1.5 lines 41-43 That tend me on mortal thoughts, unsex me here And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full Of direst cruelty!) She is willing to do everything, even committing a crime in order to make her husband to be the king. Eventually she addresses a perfect plan to assassinate king Duncan to her husband.
How might Lady Macbeth answer the question “What is the meaning of life?” Explain your answer.
Lady Macbeth might answer the question “What is the meaning of life?” by saying that the meaning of life is to become rich and powerful. It is revealed in act 1 scene 5, how Lady Macbeth is eager to make her husband to the throne. She does not care about committing a crime to be in a higher position. She considers murder as a way to achieve her goals, eventually to be the Queen.
Identify and write out two of Lady Macbeth’s lines that are particularly striking. Explain why you selected the lines.
Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here,
And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full of direst cruelty. (Act 1.5 lines 41-43)
I think these lines were striking because it shows how Lady Macbeth is clearly willing to do whatever is necessary to seize the throne, while Macbeth was uncertain whether to murder the king or not. In these lines, she seems to ask the evil spirits to give her cruelty and masculine qualities (by mentioning the word 'unsex') so that she will be able to kill the king.
Identify one significant word that Lady Macbeth uses in 1.5 or 1.6, and define both the denotation and connotation of the word. Explain why you think the word is significant.
Word: Milk
Denotation: an opaque white fluid rich in fat and protein, secreted by female mammals for the nourishment of their young. (Definition from Mac Dictionary)
Connotation: milk represents her womanhood with the word 'breasts', usually symbols of nurture, which prevents her from performing acts of violence and cruelty
Significance: "And take my milk for gall,” Lady Macbeth says as she prepares herself to commit murder. This word shows how Lady Macbeth is eager to seize the throne because she is trying to change her feminine qualities into masculine ones in order to commit a crime.
Also, 'milk of human kindness' mentioned in act 1.5 line 17 means care and compassion for others.
Assignment 3
Discussion: "Why has Macbeth decided to kill King Duncan by the end of Act I?"
Preparation:
Macbeth's ambition was the one cause why he decides to kill Duncan. Since the witches have told him that he is going to be the king of Scotland, Macbeth is greatly excited. In Act 1 scene 7 line 26-28, he states that if he did not have such ambition to seize the throne, he wouldn't even dare to kill King Duncan. He thinks there is no reason to kill him other than his own ambition. Also Lady Macbeth's role was influential; Lady Macbeth seems to be even more ambitious than Macbeth; when Macbeth claims that he will no longer continue taking part in murdering the king, she becomes outraged and persuades him to change his mind. This is shown in scene 7 lines 41-45. Lastly, Lady Macbeth's perfect plan makes Macbeth astonished and eventually make him fully convinced; Macbeth says
"I am settled, and bend up Each corporal agent to this terrible feat," in lines 80-81.
2. After the discussion, did you......
Change your mind? How? Keep the same answer? Why?
Hear a new idea that you liked? What?
My answer was pretty similar to all other students in class. Most of them agreed that although Macbeth's ambition to the throne was the initial reason why he has decided to kill Duncan, but he hesitates due to his feeling of guilt and what made Macbeth fully determined to kill King Duncan was the influence of his wife Lady Macbeth, mentioning his manhood. In addition, the fact that Macbeth himself had ambition and thoughts to kill Duncan was interesting.
Assignment 4
On your "Macbeth Reflections" page answer the following two questions in your own words, using a least on piece of textual evidence per response:
How does Macbeth react to the killing of Duncan? Why does he react this way?
How does Lady Macbeth react to the killing of Duncan? Why does she react this way?
1. How does Macbeth react to the killing of Duncan? Why does he react this way?
The scene of actual crime is not mentioned in Act 2. Macbeth runs into the room where Lady Macbeth is and says "I have done the deed," in 2.2 line 15. Obviously Macbeth seems to feel guilty that he has committed a crime, as he was afraid of murdering Duncan in Act 1. He points out that he heard the chamberlains awake and their prayers before going back to sleep again. He claims he also heard a voice cry out "sleep no more, Macbeth does murder sleep." He becomes mentally unstable after he kills Duncan. He reacts this way because although he was ambitious to be the king, he was not as eager as Lady Macbeth to gain more power. In addition, it seems like he didn't want to commit a crime to be in higher position.
Textual Evidence:
2.2 line 24
Macbeth [looking at his hands] This is a sorry sight.
2.2 lines 53 -55
Macbeth: I'll go no more.
I am afraid to think what I have done;
Look on't again I dare not.
2. How does Lady Macbeth react to the killing of Duncan? Why does she react this way?
Unlike Macbeth, Lady Macbeth seems to be steady; it does not seem like she is regretting the fact that she has done a serious crime. At first she tries to make her husband relieved like how she is, but soon she becomes furious when she finds out that he has forgotten to leave the daggers in the room where the chamberlains are sleeping. She thinks Macbeth is a coward as she takes the daggers into the room. Her behavior is definitely different from Macbeth's. It seems like she thinks that she has done nothing wrong; she considers murdering as a process of gaining more power. However, she shows one weakness in the novel; she mentions that if Duncan did not resemble her father sleeping, she would have killed the king right away.
Textual Evidence:
2.2 lines 11-13
I laid their daggers ready;
He could not miss'em. Had he not resembled
My father as he slept, I had done't.
2.2 line 25
Lady Macbeth: A foolish thought, to say a sorry sight.
2.2 line 34
Lady Macbeth: Consider it not so deeply.
2.2 48-52
Lady Macbeth:
Who was it that thus cried? Why, worthy thane,
You do unbend your noble strength to think
So brainsickly of things. Go get some water
And wash this filthy witness from your hand.
Assignment 5
Instruction:
2. read 3.5 and 3.6 and post
Write a one sentence summary of each scene. (post on your MR wiki page)
In 3.6, what suspicions does the Lord have about Macbeth? (post on your MR wiki page)
<3.5 Summary>
When the three Witches meet Hecate(the goddess of witchcraft), she scolds them how the Witches told Macbeth his fate without asking her and plans to make Macbeth see illusions that could lead to his downfall.
<3.6 Summary>
At night, Lennox talks with another lord to discuss about the death of Duncan; even though the murderer is officially considered as Fleance, they both are suspicious of Macbeth.
3. reread 4.1
What does Macbeth want in this scene? Macbeth wants to know the truth of the Witches' prophecies and also who is threatening his throne.
What stands in his way? Macduff and Fleance are threatening him to the throne; since they have possibility to take the position away from Macbeth.
How does Macbeth attempt overcome the obstacles in his way? Although Macduff is not a threatening obstacle for Macbeth, his excessive fear causes him decide to kill Macduff and his wife, children. Also he raids the Macduff's castle and town of Fife.
What do the Witches want in this scene? The witches want to confuse Macbeth in a great deal since the Hecate the goddess of witchcraft told them to do so.
Assignment 6
Question: How has Lady Macbeth transformed by the end of the play?
First Textual Evidence:
5.1 lines 50-52
Here's the smell of the blood still.
All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. Oh, Oh, Oh!
Explanation:
This is the scene in which Lady Macbeth feels guilt and regret what she has done. At the beginning, she seemed to want an immediate power more than Macbeth, proven in how she forced Macbeth to kill king Duncan and she was delightful to see that Duncan was murdered. She seems to regret now that she has done so many bad deeds to gain such power. What she calls "manliness" does not seem to exist in her anymore; her personality has reshaped in to more an innocent one now; but the fact is that although she regrets it, she is still responsible for what she has done.
Second Textual Evidence:
5.1 line 30
The thane of Fire had a wife. Where is she now?- What, will these hands ne'er be clean? - No more o'that, my lord, nor more o' that. your mar all with this starting.
Explanation:
Lady Macbeth seems to feel loss and guilt for the crime she has committed, which indicates that how much her evil deeds have affected her personality. She seems to be greatly confused when she looks at her hands. This part seems to overlap the scene where Macbeth felt guilty when he saw the bloods on his hand right after killing Duncan.
Assignment 7
1. On your MR wiki page, answer the following questions. Provide at least one piece of textual evidence for each answer. (This assignment will provide some ideas for the final paper.)
What is the main idea of the story?
What can we learn from these characters? Select one or two characters and explain your answer.
Do you see recurring images, words, deeds, situations, consequences, mistakes? Select two items from the preceding list and give examples from the play.
1. What is the main idea of the story?
The play Macbeth's theme is the corrupting influence of ambition for power. This play shows how ambition for power influences people in a bad way. This is proven through the story of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, how they kill king Duncan and family members of Malcolm to seize the throne. At the beginning, Macbeth did not want to kill king Duncan for he was honored by the king but eventually decides to kill Duncan, convinced by Lady Macbeth who emphasized the importance of masculinity. Even after he killed king Duncan, he felt guilty and refused to put the daggers in the room. However, he does not care about committing crime to remain in his position later. He is the one who determines to kill his friend Banquo, Malcolm's wife and his children.
(3.2 42-47 There's comfort yet; they are assailable; Then be thou jocund: ere the bat hath flown His cloister'd flight, ere to black Hecate's summons The shard-borne beetle with his drowsy hums Hath rung night's yawning peal, there shall be done a deed of dreadful note.)
This quote indicates that Macbeth has transformed in an evil way, since he tells his wife that he is going to commit another crime. On the other hand, Lady Macbeth feels remorse of what she has done; she is afraid when she sees blood on her hand. (5.1 lines 50-52 Here's the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. Oh, Oh, Oh!) Through the cases of change in personality in Macbeth, Shakespeare is trying to show that excessive ambition for power will bring negative outcome.
2. What can we learn from these characters? Select one or two characters and explain your answer.
Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth seemed to be a cruel person when she convinced Macbeth to kill king Duncan. However, she has experienced a remarkable change; she regrets the fact that she has committed a crime that cannot be undone. Later Lady Macbeth tries to wash off the blood on her hand. This contradicts what she has said right after Macbeth assassinated Duncan, that little water will wash off the blood on his hand. However, it is not that what she has done cannot be forgiven even though she regrets it. Through the case of Lady Macbeth, I learned how one can change so dramatically after killing someone, also the crime that already has taken place cannot be undone and condoned. Also I learned that one's still responsible for what he or she has done even though one greatly regrets about it.
Textual Evidence:
1.5 lines 40-43
Come, you spirits
That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here
And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full
Of direst cruelty
2.2 lines 50-51
go get some water
And wash this filthy witness from your hand.
↓ (transformation in Lady Macbeth)
5.1 lines 50-52
Here's the smell of the blood still.
All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. Oh, Oh, Oh!
5.1 line 30
The thane of Fire had a wife. Where is she now?- What, will these hands ne'er be clean? - No more o'that, my lord, nor more o' that. your mar all with this starting.
3. Do you see recurring images, words, deeds, situations, consequences, mistakes? Select two items from the preceding list and give examples from the play.
Recurring Word & Situations
I've found out recurring words that were striking to me. There were two phrases used after different cases of murder were taken place: "What's done is done," (Act 3.2 12) and "What's done cannot be undone," (Act 5.1 47). These phrases prove the transformation that has occurred in Lady Macbeth. This is quite surprising because even though these quotes indicate the same thing that what has already taken place cannot be reversed, it is said in two different situations. The first phrase was when Lady Macbeth told Macbeth that what is done is done, comforting him that no one will notice what they have done. She doesn't seem to care much about it despite the fact that King Duncan is dead. However, when she says "What is done cannot be undone," she seems to feel remorse of what she has done to the former king and she suffers from the feeling of guilt. Recurring situation would be the murders taken place by Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. At the beginning, they plan the assassination of king Duncan. Then Macbeth himself prepares three murderers to murder his friend Banquo. Eventually, Macbeth also kills Macduff's wife and children even though Macduff is not a big threat to him. For the case of king Duncan, the scene of actual crime is not mentioned in the play. Banquo's assassination: 3.3 lines 25 - 27
Banquo:
Oh, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly!
Thou mayst revenge. - Oh, slave!
[He dies. Fleance escapes] Macduff's wife and children's assassination: 4.2 lines 82-87
First murderer: What, you egg?
[he stabs him.]
Young fry of treachery!
Son: He has killed me, mother.
Run away, I pray you! [he dies.]
Exit [Lady Macduff] crying "Murder!"
Recurring Word #2: Night Textual Evidences:
(3.2 55-60)
Good things of day begin to droop and drowse;
While night's black agents to their preys do rouse.
Thou marvell'st at my words: but hold thee still;
Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill.
So, prithee, go with me.
(3.2 42-47)
There's comfort yet; they are assailable;
Then be thou jocund: ere the bat hath flown
His cloister'd flight, ere to black Hecate's summons
The shard-borne beetle with his drowsy hums
Hath rung night's yawning peal, there shall be done
A deed of dreadful note.
Macbeth uses this word to refer to the time when something evil is going to take place, for him, murder. This indicates that night is the time when bad deeds are done. We could also notice that he is completely corrupted by his greed to remain in his position since he does not feel any guilt about murdering someone as he did when he killed king Duncan, as mentioned in the part where he tells his wife that he will inform his plans to her after the 'deed' is done. Interestingly, although he does not seem to feel any sense of guilt about murdering someone, he is afraid of possibilities that people like Fleance and Macduff would take his power away from him.
Assignment 1
Instructions:
Definitions
Aroint - get away
Se'nnights - weeks
Rapt withal - entranced
Blasted - blighted
Corporal - corporeal
As ~ post - as fasts as could be told
Capital - deserving death
Attire - clothes
Hath - an old-fashioned way of saying "have"
Stout - haughty, determined, valiant
Paraphrasing
That look not like the inhabitants o' the earth,
And yet are on't? Live you? or are you aught
That man may question? You seem to understand me,
By each at once her chappy finger laying
Upon her skinny lips: you should be women,
And yet your beards forbid me to interpret
That you are so.
That creatures do not seem to be the inhabitants living on the earth
but actually they are in this world. Have you ever seen those?
By their first appearance, their old, choppy fingers
laying upon their skinny lips prove to me that they indeed are women,
but the beards on their face confuse me.
Character Analysis
Macbeth - Macbeth is the protagonist of the act. He is a Scottish general; he was the thane of Glamis but soon becomes the thane of Cawdor, as the witches prophesied. He becomes curious and happy at the same time when the witches claim that he is going to be the king. He seems to fully believe the prophecy and expects to be the king.
Banquo - Banquo is Macbeth's companion, also a Scottish general. According to the witches' prophecy, he will only beget the kings and he will never be the king while his children will inherit the throne. While Macbeth seem to fully believe what the witches have told him, Banquo is doubtful about the prophecy.
The Witches - The three witches are women who prophesy the future, especially about the kings in Scotland. According to Macbeth, they do not look like 'inhabitants o' the earth.' They have beards on their face, making them look like men.
Angus - Angus is the messenger from king Duncan. He is the one who tells Macbeth he is chosen to be the thane of Cawdor. He also tells Macbeth and Banquo how the former thane is executed due to his treason.
Ross - Ross is also the messenger from king Duncan. He praises Macbeth for his victory in the battle, telling him how his courageous actions helped him to emerge victorious in the battle.
Plot Outline
Act 1 scene 3 begins with the conversation of three witches; the first witch mentions that she just has killed swine and another witch explains the revenge she has devised upon a sailor whose wife refused to share her chestnuts. Then the three witches encounter the Scottish thanes Macbeth and Banquo, who had been traveling back to their land Forres. First Macbeth and Banquo are frightened by their haggard appearance but they ask what they are. Without answering the question, the witches prophesy the fate of Macbeth; they claim that he is going to be the thane of Cawdor and eventually the king of Scotland. Then Banquo became curious about this future and asks them about his fate. The witches respond by saying that he will beget the kings though he will be none, which means that Banquo himself will never be the king but his children will sit up on the throne. Macbeth was curious what the witches meant by calling him thane of Cawdor and asks them where all these information came from, but the witches vanish without answering. After they were gone, Macbeth and Banquo discuss their encounter with the witches, both feeling doubtful. Soon, the messengers from the king Ross and Angus appear, telling them that Macbeth is chosen as the thane of Cawdor, as the former thane is to be killed for his disloyalty. Both Macbeth and Banquo are amazed that the witches' prophecy has come true.
Conflict
There is a minor conflict between Banquo and Macbeth at the end of the scene 3. Macbeth claims that the greatest is behind, because the two of the prophecy by the witches actually has come true, and asks if Banquo wants his children to be the kings. Banquo says that what the witches say are half-truths in order to "win us to our harm," still mistrusting and unsure about the prophecy. But Macbeth ignores him and expects great honor. They disagree with each other and I think that is what makes them result in a minor conflict.
Assignment 2
1. Read Macbeth 1.5 and 1.6 and answer the following pages on your "Macbeth Reflection" wiki page
What do we learn about Lady Macbeth in these scenes?
Lady Macbeth seems to be even more ambitious than Macbeth is, since she finds out that Macbeth is going to the the king of Scotland, according to the prophecy of the Witches. Lady Macbeth scorns how Macbeth is not as eager as Lady Macbeth to be the king of Scotland. She asks evil spirits to give her manliness so that she is able to kill king Duncan. (1.5 lines 41-43 That tend me on mortal thoughts, unsex me here And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full Of direst cruelty!) She is willing to do everything, even committing a crime in order to make her husband to be the king. Eventually she addresses a perfect plan to assassinate king Duncan to her husband.
How might Lady Macbeth answer the question “What is the meaning of life?” Explain your answer.
Lady Macbeth might answer the question “What is the meaning of life?” by saying that the meaning of life is to become rich and powerful. It is revealed in act 1 scene 5, how Lady Macbeth is eager to make her husband to the throne. She does not care about committing a crime to be in a higher position. She considers murder as a way to achieve her goals, eventually to be the Queen.
Identify and write out two of Lady Macbeth’s lines that are particularly striking. Explain why you selected the lines.
Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here,
And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full of direst cruelty. (Act 1.5 lines 41-43)
I think these lines were striking because it shows how Lady Macbeth is clearly willing to do whatever is necessary to seize the throne, while Macbeth was uncertain whether to murder the king or not. In these lines, she seems to ask the evil spirits to give her cruelty and masculine qualities (by mentioning the word 'unsex') so that she will be able to kill the king.
Identify one significant word that Lady Macbeth uses in 1.5 or 1.6, and define both the denotation and connotation of the word. Explain why you think the word is significant.
Word: Milk
Denotation: an opaque white fluid rich in fat and protein, secreted by female mammals for the nourishment of their young. (Definition from Mac Dictionary)
Connotation: milk represents her womanhood with the word 'breasts', usually symbols of nurture, which prevents her from performing acts of violence and cruelty
Significance: "And take my milk for gall,” Lady Macbeth says as she prepares herself to commit murder. This word shows how Lady Macbeth is eager to seize the throne because she is trying to change her feminine qualities into masculine ones in order to commit a crime.
Also, 'milk of human kindness' mentioned in act 1.5 line 17 means care and compassion for others.
Assignment 3
Discussion: "Why has Macbeth decided to kill King Duncan by the end of Act I?"
Preparation:
Macbeth's ambition was the one cause why he decides to kill Duncan. Since the witches have told him that he is going to be the king of Scotland, Macbeth is greatly excited. In Act 1 scene 7 line 26-28, he states that if he did not have such ambition to seize the throne, he wouldn't even dare to kill King Duncan. He thinks there is no reason to kill him other than his own ambition. Also Lady Macbeth's role was influential; Lady Macbeth seems to be even more ambitious than Macbeth; when Macbeth claims that he will no longer continue taking part in murdering the king, she becomes outraged and persuades him to change his mind. This is shown in scene 7 lines 41-45. Lastly, Lady Macbeth's perfect plan makes Macbeth astonished and eventually make him fully convinced; Macbeth says
"I am settled, and bend up Each corporal agent to this terrible feat," in lines 80-81.
2. After the discussion, did you......
Change your mind? How?
Keep the same answer? Why?
Hear a new idea that you liked? What?
My answer was pretty similar to all other students in class. Most of them agreed that although Macbeth's ambition to the throne was the initial reason why he has decided to kill Duncan, but he hesitates due to his feeling of guilt and what made Macbeth fully determined to kill King Duncan was the influence of his wife Lady Macbeth, mentioning his manhood. In addition, the fact that Macbeth himself had ambition and thoughts to kill Duncan was interesting.
Assignment 4
On your "Macbeth Reflections" page answer the following two questions in your own words, using a least on piece of textual evidence per response:
1. How does Macbeth react to the killing of Duncan? Why does he react this way?
The scene of actual crime is not mentioned in Act 2. Macbeth runs into the room where Lady Macbeth is and says "I have done the deed," in 2.2 line 15. Obviously Macbeth seems to feel guilty that he has committed a crime, as he was afraid of murdering Duncan in Act 1. He points out that he heard the chamberlains awake and their prayers before going back to sleep again. He claims he also heard a voice cry out "sleep no more, Macbeth does murder sleep." He becomes mentally unstable after he kills Duncan. He reacts this way because although he was ambitious to be the king, he was not as eager as Lady Macbeth to gain more power. In addition, it seems like he didn't want to commit a crime to be in higher position.
Textual Evidence:
2.2 line 24
Macbeth [looking at his hands] This is a sorry sight.
2.2 lines 53 -55
Macbeth: I'll go no more.
I am afraid to think what I have done;
Look on't again I dare not.
2. How does Lady Macbeth react to the killing of Duncan? Why does she react this way?
Unlike Macbeth, Lady Macbeth seems to be steady; it does not seem like she is regretting the fact that she has done a serious crime. At first she tries to make her husband relieved like how she is, but soon she becomes furious when she finds out that he has forgotten to leave the daggers in the room where the chamberlains are sleeping. She thinks Macbeth is a coward as she takes the daggers into the room. Her behavior is definitely different from Macbeth's. It seems like she thinks that she has done nothing wrong; she considers murdering as a process of gaining more power. However, she shows one weakness in the novel; she mentions that if Duncan did not resemble her father sleeping, she would have killed the king right away.
Textual Evidence:
2.2 lines 11-13
I laid their daggers ready;
He could not miss'em. Had he not resembled
My father as he slept, I had done't.
2.2 line 25
Lady Macbeth: A foolish thought, to say a sorry sight.
2.2 line 34
Lady Macbeth: Consider it not so deeply.
2.2 48-52
Lady Macbeth:
Who was it that thus cried? Why, worthy thane,
You do unbend your noble strength to think
So brainsickly of things. Go get some water
And wash this filthy witness from your hand.
Assignment 5
Instruction:
2. read 3.5 and 3.6 and post
<3.5 Summary>
When the three Witches meet Hecate(the goddess of witchcraft), she scolds them how the Witches told Macbeth his fate without asking her and plans to make Macbeth see illusions that could lead to his downfall.
<3.6 Summary>
At night, Lennox talks with another lord to discuss about the death of Duncan; even though the murderer is officially considered as Fleance, they both are suspicious of Macbeth.
3. reread 4.1
Assignment 6
Question: How has Lady Macbeth transformed by the end of the play?
First Textual Evidence:
5.1 lines 50-52
Here's the smell of the blood still.
All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. Oh, Oh, Oh!
Explanation:
This is the scene in which Lady Macbeth feels guilt and regret what she has done. At the beginning, she seemed to want an immediate power more than Macbeth, proven in how she forced Macbeth to kill king Duncan and she was delightful to see that Duncan was murdered. She seems to regret now that she has done so many bad deeds to gain such power. What she calls "manliness" does not seem to exist in her anymore; her personality has reshaped in to more an innocent one now; but the fact is that although she regrets it, she is still responsible for what she has done.
Second Textual Evidence:
5.1 line 30
The thane of Fire had a wife. Where is she now?- What, will these hands ne'er be clean? - No more o'that, my lord, nor more o' that. your mar all with this starting.
Explanation:
Lady Macbeth seems to feel loss and guilt for the crime she has committed, which indicates that how much her evil deeds have affected her personality. She seems to be greatly confused when she looks at her hands. This part seems to overlap the scene where Macbeth felt guilty when he saw the bloods on his hand right after killing Duncan.
Assignment 71. On your MR wiki page, answer the following questions. Provide at least one piece of textual evidence for each answer. (This assignment will provide some ideas for the final paper.)
1. What is the main idea of the story?
The play Macbeth's theme is the corrupting influence of ambition for power. This play shows how ambition for power influences people in a bad way. This is proven through the story of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, how they kill king Duncan and family members of Malcolm to seize the throne. At the beginning, Macbeth did not want to kill king Duncan for he was honored by the king but eventually decides to kill Duncan, convinced by Lady Macbeth who emphasized the importance of masculinity. Even after he killed king Duncan, he felt guilty and refused to put the daggers in the room. However, he does not care about committing crime to remain in his position later. He is the one who determines to kill his friend Banquo, Malcolm's wife and his children.
(3.2 42-47 There's comfort yet; they are assailable; Then be thou jocund: ere the bat hath flown His cloister'd flight, ere to black Hecate's summons The shard-borne beetle with his drowsy hums Hath rung night's yawning peal, there shall be done a deed of dreadful note.)
This quote indicates that Macbeth has transformed in an evil way, since he tells his wife that he is going to commit another crime. On the other hand, Lady Macbeth feels remorse of what she has done; she is afraid when she sees blood on her hand. (5.1 lines 50-52 Here's the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. Oh, Oh, Oh!) Through the cases of change in personality in Macbeth, Shakespeare is trying to show that excessive ambition for power will bring negative outcome.
2. What can we learn from these characters? Select one or two characters and explain your answer.
Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth seemed to be a cruel person when she convinced Macbeth to kill king Duncan. However, she has experienced a remarkable change; she regrets the fact that she has committed a crime that cannot be undone. Later Lady Macbeth tries to wash off the blood on her hand. This contradicts what she has said right after Macbeth assassinated Duncan, that little water will wash off the blood on his hand. However, it is not that what she has done cannot be forgiven even though she regrets it. Through the case of Lady Macbeth, I learned how one can change so dramatically after killing someone, also the crime that already has taken place cannot be undone and condoned. Also I learned that one's still responsible for what he or she has done even though one greatly regrets about it.
Textual Evidence:
1.5 lines 40-43
Come, you spirits
That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here
And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full
Of direst cruelty
2.2 lines 50-51
go get some water
And wash this filthy witness from your hand.
↓ (transformation in Lady Macbeth)
5.1 lines 50-52
Here's the smell of the blood still.
All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. Oh, Oh, Oh!
5.1 line 30
The thane of Fire had a wife. Where is she now?- What, will these hands ne'er be clean? - No more o'that, my lord, nor more o' that. your mar all with this starting.
3. Do you see recurring images, words, deeds, situations, consequences, mistakes? Select two items from the preceding list and give examples from the play.
Recurring Word & Situations
I've found out recurring words that were striking to me. There were two phrases used after different cases of murder were taken place: "What's done is done," (Act 3.2 12) and "What's done cannot be undone," (Act 5.1 47). These phrases prove the transformation that has occurred in Lady Macbeth. This is quite surprising because even though these quotes indicate the same thing that what has already taken place cannot be reversed, it is said in two different situations. The first phrase was when Lady Macbeth told Macbeth that what is done is done, comforting him that no one will notice what they have done. She doesn't seem to care much about it despite the fact that King Duncan is dead. However, when she says "What is done cannot be undone," she seems to feel remorse of what she has done to the former king and she suffers from the feeling of guilt. Recurring situation would be the murders taken place by Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. At the beginning, they plan the assassination of king Duncan. Then Macbeth himself prepares three murderers to murder his friend Banquo. Eventually, Macbeth also kills Macduff's wife and children even though Macduff is not a big threat to him. For the case of king Duncan, the scene of actual crime is not mentioned in the play.
Banquo's assassination:
3.3 lines 25 - 27
Banquo:
Oh, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly!
Thou mayst revenge. - Oh, slave!
[He dies. Fleance escapes]
Macduff's wife and children's assassination:
4.2 lines 82-87
First murderer: What, you egg?
[he stabs him.]
Young fry of treachery!
Son: He has killed me, mother.
Run away, I pray you! [he dies.]
Exit [Lady Macduff] crying "Murder!"
Recurring Word #2: Night
Textual Evidences:
(3.2 55-60)
Good things of day begin to droop and drowse;
While night's black agents to their preys do rouse.
Thou marvell'st at my words: but hold thee still;
Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill.
So, prithee, go with me.
(3.2 42-47)
There's comfort yet; they are assailable;
Then be thou jocund: ere the bat hath flown
His cloister'd flight, ere to black Hecate's summons
The shard-borne beetle with his drowsy hums
Hath rung night's yawning peal, there shall be done
A deed of dreadful note.
Macbeth uses this word to refer to the time when something evil is going to take place, for him, murder. This indicates that night is the time when bad deeds are done. We could also notice that he is completely corrupted by his greed to remain in his position since he does not feel any guilt about murdering someone as he did when he killed king Duncan, as mentioned in the part where he tells his wife that he will inform his plans to her after the 'deed' is done. Interestingly, although he does not seem to feel any sense of guilt about murdering someone, he is afraid of possibilities that people like Fleance and Macduff would take his power away from him.
WORD JOURNAL:
Macbeth Reflection by Soojin Kim